73 Johnson 50 hp won't go into forward

[caseystuff]

I just bought an old boat with the original 73 Johnson 50 hp and took it down to the lake to try it out. Seller said that he replaced the lower unit (the one on there now is black). The motor started just fine, pumping water, and the controls seemed to work, but it will only go into reverse. When I put it in forward, it makes a slight grinding noise, but the prop will not rotate. Do I have a bad lower unit or do you think it is a control issue? And, should I just bite the bullet and purchase a rebuilt lower unit and put it on or can a weekend car mechanic (me) do a rebuild with the right manual? Thanks for the help!

 

[F_R]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 hp won't go into forward

Disconnect the cable and try shifting it by hand. If that is OK, you have a cable adjustment problem. But if it won't shift into gear by hand, you have a problem that could be anything from mis-adjusted shift linkage to gearcase shot.

 

[caseystuff]

Re: 73 Johnson 50 hp won't go into forward

Thanks -- I'll give it a try!